England Footballer Inspires Pupils to Dream Big
Bloxham CE Primary School was thrilled to welcome Harry Baker, Paralympian and footballer for the England Cerebral Palsy team, as part of our PSHE topic on Dreams and Goals. Harry’s visit inspired KS2 pupils with his incredible journey of resilience, determination, and the power of never giving up on your dreams.
Harry began by sharing his childhood dream: to play football for England and Manchester United. However, he faced the devastating realisation that his disability meant he wouldn’t achieve that dream in the way he’d imagined. Growing up, Harry struggled to accept who he was. He experienced bullying, felt disconnected from his friends, and often questioned his abilities.
Despite these challenges, Harry’s passion for football never wavered. With his mum’s encouragement, he attended every training session and match for two years—even though he wasn’t put on the pitch. Just when he was ready to give up, Harry discovered disability football and learned that he could represent his country. Determined to be the best he could be, Harry worked tirelessly to improve. At just 15 years old, he received a life-changing phone call inviting him to play for England’s Under-21 Cerebral Palsy team.
Harry’s journey wasn’t without setbacks. After competing in the Rio Paralympics and the World Cup, he pushed himself to the limit, training three times a day and waking up at 4 a.m. Unfortunately, the intense schedule led to burnout, and Harry wasn’t selected for the team. Heartbroken, he stepped away from football and focused on university.
However, at the age of 21, Harry had a moment of reflection. He asked himself, “Have I done everything in my power to achieve my dream?” The answer was no. Motivated to give his all, Harry returned to football, trained harder than ever, and became a top goal scorer. Now, he’s preparing for the August 2025 Home World Cup, demonstrating that perseverance pays off.
Harry’s message to our pupils was clear: “It’s okay to fail—it means you’re trying. Your reaction to failure is what matters most. Work hard, remember why you started, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.”
Pupils left the session feeling inspired and empowered to chase their own dreams. Harry’s story showed them that even when faced with obstacles, the key to success lies in determination, hard work, and believing in yourself. We’re incredibly grateful to Harry for sharing his journey and reminding us all that it’s never too late to achieve your goals.